ADHD and Screen Time – Research, Reality, Benefits, and Concerns

Dr. Randy Kulman, president of Learningworks for Kids, was recently asked to give a pre-conference presentation at the CHADD Annual International Conference on ADHD. The workshop–directed to clinicians, educators and parents–was titled “ADHD and Screen Time – Research, Reality, Benefits, and Concerns.” Participants all shared an interest in understanding why kids with ADHD seem so drawn to screen time. Many of the questions at the conclusion of the workshop were based around understanding whether kids could be addicted to screen time and how effective limits for screen time could be set.

Dr. Kulman presented current research on video-game and technology usage among children with ADHD and presented data from his ongoing study of more than 500 families on attitudes, behavior, and conflicts related to screen time in children with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. His presentation described the ways popular video games like Starcraft and Portal, along with neurotechnologies like Project Evo and Cogmed, improve executive functions, working memory, selective attention, and processing speed. The newest research on the impact of excessive video-game play among kids with ADHD, ASD, and Learning Disabilities was also discussed. Dr. Kulman also detailed practical and research-based strategies for optimizing the benefits as well as limiting the use of digital media in home, school, and office settings. He even encouraged participants to bring a smartphone, tablet device, or laptop to the session.